"The commander of the Inquisition and the Herald of Andraste. That will have people talking," Evelyn said with an arched brow. She had come into his office around dusk, like she had for the past two days, to escort him to dinner. Sometimes they would join the group, sometimes they would eat alone and talk. Here she was again to whisk him away to his new favorite time of the day. She had snuck in while he was reading a report and leaned across his desk to face him with her elbows on the wood and her head resting on her hands. She gazed at him with a amused expression, her brilliant emerald eyes dancing with mischief.

Cullen sighed, "You wouldn't believe how quickly gossip spreads through the barracks."

"Does it bother you?"

"I would rather my- our- private affairs remain that way, if possible. Buuut if there were nothing here for people to talk about, I would regret it more."

Evelyn smiled her radiant smile at him, "Me too."

Cullen returned her smile. "Although I have a feeling our dinners have not gone unnoticed."

"They can't prove anything. We are just good friends eating a meal."

"True. I have a feeling that explanation won't hold up to the normal chatter."

Evelyn stood up and came around to his side of the desk. She leaned against it with her legs straight in front of her, crossed. "You know, we should probably tell Leliana at least. I mean she's bound to find out sooner rather than later. What do you bet she already knows?"

Cullen sighed, "Knowing her, she knew about it before we did."

Evelyn laughed, "You're probably right."

"But I agree- it would be best to tell her. She is known for her discretion and we can trust her to keep our relationship secret."

"Do you want to tell her or should I?"

"Maker- please do not make me do it."

Evelyn snickered, "Alright I can do it."

Cullen stood and stretched. "Shall we," he asked and held out his elbow.

She took it with a giggle and they headed out. The sun had completely set. He didn't realize how late it had become- there was always some issue he needed to take care of. Some fire to put out or troops to deploy or what have you. The only time he truly got to relax and unwind was with Evelyn. She set him at ease and made the time he spent with her pass too quickly.

"That day you kissed me on the battlements- how long had you wanted to do that," Evelyn asked, bringing him out of his reverie.

Cullen laughed, "Longer than I should admit."

Evelyn smiled at the ground. They were walking down a partially concealed stairwell to the courtyard. She quickly leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. He squeezed her hand in response.

"You don't have much patience for nobility. I'm glad my title didn't scare you off."

Cullen was taken aback, "I hadn't considered… I have no title outside the Inquisition. I hope that doesn't- I mean does it… bother you?"

"Oh no, Cullen. I'm sorry- I was just joking. Of course it doesn't bother me. If you care for me- that's all that matters. I wasn't trying to put you on the spot."

"I'm not very good at this, am I? If I seem unsure, it's because it's been a long time since I've wanted anyone in my life. I wasn't expecting to meet that here. Or you."

They had gotten down to the courtyard, which was almost deserted. She glanced around and pulled him behind a rock outcrop, effectively hiding them from anyone's prying eyes.

She looked at him intensely, "Cullen you are doing wonderfully- you are kind and sweet and so much fun to be with. I would have never expected to be here with you, but I am and so grateful for it. I wouldn't want to be with anyone else, anywhere else."

Cullen felt a dam break inside of him and he crashed his mouth to hers. She gave a surprised squeak but immediately melted into him. She snaked her arms around his neck and he wrapped his around her waist. She met his fervor with her own. She granted him access to her mouth and her little moan almost sent him over the edge. She wound her hands into his hair and his found their way up the curve of her waist. His thumbs brushed against her breasts and she writhed against him. She broke away from his mouth to pepper kisses along his jaw and up to his ear, and sunk her teeth into the lobe. He growled, which seemed to spur her on harder. She worked her way down his neck, kissing and softly biting. He didn't know how much more of this he could handle before he tossed her over his shoulder and carried her back to his bed. He captured her mouth again with his.

"Someone is coming," he heard softly in his ear- almost as quiet as the breeze itself.

He turned around, but there wasn't anyone there.

"Shit, that was Cole, wasn't it," Evelyn asked. Her face was flushed, eyes unfocused, and her lips were slightly swollen. She looked delectable.

Then they heard voices coming from not very far away- getting closer. They jumped apart and straightened themselves. There was one really good thing about wearing a mantle- you could use it to hide untoward situations behind.

Evelyn whispered, "Cole- if you are still here- I could really use a distraction."

A few seconds later, there was a loud crash as one of the barrells fell over on the opposite side of the courtyard, grabbing the attention of all near it. Evelyn pushed Cullen out of the cove and they briskly walked toward the kitchen. He used the chilled winter air as a cold shower of sorts. As soon as they got their food and took a seat, he looked at her. She started giggling, which made him chuckle, which made her start laughing, and soon enough they were both cracking up. Several people gave them funny looks but he didn't care- he was having the time of his life.